It's funny how such a significant amount of time away from the islands and this incredible fishery is erased almost immediately upon arrival as the conditions and setting is so familiar to those of us who have spent a good portion of our lives fishing these waters. That is exactly how I felt yesterday as we moved into the shallows around Isla San Benedicto yesterday afternoon and shifted into fishing mode. Of course I can't say the same sentiment prevailed in our anglers most of whom were awestruck by a scene teaming with life ranging from the omnipresent boobie birds to dolphins and humpback whales, and of course, jumping yellowfin tuna.

Upon arrival the island looked very lively but the big challenge yesterday was very difficult weather that made the outside pursuit of birdschools and crashing tuna almost impossible. As such we worked in tight to the island but were limited to the very small area on the south end where conditions were agreeable enough to do some tagging. With only a few hours to fish and hideous conditions to look around, I can't really give old "Smokey" and glowing report, but we did manage to get a little fishing in with, to our surprise, minimal grief from the local sharks. Like I said we really did not give the island a thorough check due to time and conditions, but what I did see was convincing enough to prompt a move to Isla Socorro tomorrow where we will check in with the navy base before continuing the fishing effort.